A Certain Age

You’ve reached a certain age when life has set you free You can cock a hoop at protocol; do things that aren't PC You can swim in just your underpants; be a gentleman or lout Speak your mind without a care; wear your sweater inside out You can stay up 'til the early hours with a glass of wine or two Wear red pyjamas in the street or shoes of green or blue You can dip your biscuits in your tea or don a fancy hat You can eat your crisps when in your bed; be happy thin or fat You can paint the town bright red, or sleep until midday Wear a tie that's bright and gaudy and not care what people say So shout at the moon and dye your hair; take up 3 seats on a plane Talk to people very loud and dance naked in the rain Be irascible, grumpy or grouchy and simply not care a jot Be far too busy having fun whether people like it or not For years you've always done what's right - faced life with good intention Now it's time to just let go and discard all convention Just try to think outside the box - give life a damn good beating For time is very precious, every moment merely fleetingg Display a smile or wear a frown, embrace those dirty looks Turn this world upside down; don't do things by the book Go and get a fine tattoo or indeed a gold nose ring Maybe pierce an eyebrow - just do things on a whim Mumble and wheeze without a care and always buck a trend Answer back and disagree, burn the candle at both ends  Tho' your hair is getting greyer and receding - well it's true Your eyes still have that sparkle; your zest for life brand new You're chronologically gifted; you've got a cataract or two Your spectacles are stronger but there's still no stopping you For age is just a number - it evades no beast or man Say not "I cannot do  this", but "yes, of course I can!" Go put on your glad rags, paint on a wicked smile Face each day with vigour; let down your hair awhile Your skin is getting saggy but it's a joy to run forth wild To wear those clothes so baggy and release that inner child Your neck is like a road map with wrinkles, crags and creeks Your teeth are getting fewer and you get those little leaks Just forget about such trivial things that make you squirm and dither Wink your eye and stamp your feet - don't let your senses wither You're about to embark on a special year, so give it all you've got Spread your wings, raise the roof - live, love and laugh a lot